Know in simple language what is the Places of Worship Act i.e. Places of Worship Act

Places of Worship Act: At present, the ‘Places of Worship Act’ i.e. Places of Worship Act (1991) is one of the most discussed issues in the country. But what is the Places of Worship Act? What do its provisions say? Let us know through this article.

What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991 say?
This Place of Worship Act, enacted in 1991, says that a place of worship of any religion that came into existence before August 15, 1947, cannot be converted into a place of worship of any other religion. If someone tries to violate this Act, he/she can be fined and jailed for up to three years. This law was brought by the then Congress Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao government in 1991. This law came when the issue of Babri Masjid and Ayodhya was very hot.Place of Worship Act Section- 2
This section says that if any petition is pending in the court regarding change in any religious place existing on 15 August 1947, it will be closed.

Section 3 of Place of Worship Act
According to this section, it is not allowed to convert any religious place completely or partially to any other religion. Along with this, this section ensures that the place of worship of one religion is not changed to that of another religion or even to a different section of the same religion.

Section 4(1) of Place of Worship Act
Section 4(1) of this law says that the character of a place of worship as it existed on 15 August 1947 shall be maintained.

Section 4(2) of Place of Worship Act
As per Section 4(2) it talks about stopping the suits and legal proceedings which were pending on the date of coming into force of the Places of Worship Act.

Section 5 of Place of Worship Act
There is a provision that this Act will not apply to the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case and any suit, appeal or proceeding related to it.

The purpose behind the law
This law (Pooja Sthal Kanon, 1991) was made when the Ram Mandir movement had reached its peak. This movement also affected other temples and mosques in the country. At that time, apart from Ayodhya, many controversies started coming up. Just to put an end to this, the then Narasimha Rao government had brought this law.

Penalty
This law works equally for everyone. There is a provision of three years imprisonment and fine for those who violate this Act.